Chicken Tostadas

Let’s whip up some easy, peasy Chicken Tostadas that are not just drool-worthy but also ridiculously simple to make. Imagine crispy tostadas topped with juicy, seasoned chicken, black beans, and a dollop of sour cream or guac. Sounds like a party for your taste buds, doesn’t it? ​

This recipe is so delicious served with homemade guacamole, sour cream, and even a little queso

close up image showing a corn tortilla laying flat on a white round plate. On top of the tortilla is shredded chicken, melted cheese, sour cream, tomatoes, and cilantro


 

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Dinner

  • Quick and Easy: Chicken tostadas are a lifesaver on busy weeknights. They come together in a snap, making them perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time but still crave something delicious and satisfying.
  • Great for Leftovers: Got some leftover chicken? Chicken tostadas are an excellent way to repurpose it. This recipe breathes new life into leftovers, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
  • Versatility: You can customize chicken tostadas to your heart’s content. Whether it’s spicy or mild, loaded with veggies, or kept simple with just a few key ingredients, they’re a dream for both picky eaters and adventurous foodies.

I live for quick dinner ideas. Anything that takes little prep and the whole family will love gets the stamp of approval from me. These tostadas land firmly at the top of our list. It’s one of the most delicious recipes that can be customized, which is an added bonus for a mom with a picky eater. 

Imagine biting into a chicken tostada layered with black beans, corn, salsa, and cheese. Each bite is a delightful journey of flavors and textures. Together, these elements create a harmonious blend of flavors, making each bite of the chicken tostada a delightful and satisfying experience.

top down image showing ingredients on a wooden table top with a teal napkin off to the side. Ingredients include a square clear dish with shredded chicekn, a bushell of fresh cilantro, a can of great value black beans, a packet of mild taco seasoning, a small glass bowl of frozen corn, a stack of mission white corn tortillas, and a container of paces chunky salsa

​Easy Chicken Tostadas Ingredients

The ingredient list is broken up into two parts. First, the chicken. You can definitely use leftover or rotisserie chicken breast if you’d like. I prefer a simple baked salsa chicken. Here is what you need for the recipe:

  • Chicken Breast: Like I mentioned above, you can always use leftover chopped or shredded chicken or opt for my favorite salsa chicken bake. Takes seconds to prep and is full of flavor. 
  • Salsa: Both for the chicken and the filling for the tostadas. I recommend picking a brand you really love. We like Paces with a medium heat. 
  • Taco Seasoning: Homemade taco seasoning is easy to make, but I pick up the store bought packets. It seems to have the perfect balance of flavors like chili powder and black pepper. 
  • Corn Tortillas: This recipe works well with corn tortillas but not so great with flour. If you’re searching for an easy flour tortilla option check out my chicken taquitos
  • Beans: I personally love refried beans. However, I was vetoed on this recipe. My family voted and loved the black bean version. The perfect way to add a little fiber to the meal. 
  • Corn: I almost always have frozen corn on hand, so that is what I used. You can use canned corn. Just make sure you drain it first. 
  • Cheese: You have some serious wiggle room with your cheese type. I use cheddar, only because it’s what we always have on hand, but you can try queso fresco, cotija cheese, or even a pepper jack cheese. 
  • Favorite Toppings: Here is where you can get really creative. Top with a squeeze of lime juice, chopped red onion, pico de gallo, fresh cilantro and so much more. 
close up top down image of a square glass dish filled with shredded cooked chicken. The dish is sitting on a wooden table top with a container of paces salsa, a packet of taco seasoning and a fresh bunch of cilantro off to the sides

Salsa Chicken

Here’s the optional salsa chicken recipe. This is a go-to for us and can even be made in the slow cooker! Consider it a great way to get dinner on the table on Taco Tuesday. 

  1. PREP: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Make sure the chicken is sliced in half lengthwise and relatively even in thickness. 
  2. SEASON: Place the chicken down in a 9×13 pan that has been misted with cooking spray. Sprinkle with the taco seasoning and spoon the salsa directly on top of the chicken. 
  3. BAKE: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F. 
  4. SHRED: Chop or shred the chicken salsa mixture and set aside for later. 

From here, you can use this recipe as called for below OR opt for serve in a flour tortilla for a quick chicken taco or on a bed of lettuce for a taco salad

top down image showing a close up shot of a black pan filled with shredded chicken, corn, black beans, and salsa on a wooden table top

Chicken Tostada Recipe

This recipe was adapted from Allrecipes. You can definitely play around with the ingredients and customize this to your flavors. One of the benefits of this easy recipe! 

  1. PREP: Prepare the chicken as stated above. 
  2. SHELLS: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees for the homemade tostada shells. Place the corn tortillas down on a baking tray in an even layer, making sure they do not overlap. Brush each side with oil just until coated. Bake for 3 minutes, flip and bake 3 minutes more or until the shells are slightly crisp. Set aside for later. 
  3. TOPPING: Mix together 1 cup of shredded chicken with 1 cup of salsa, the black beans, and corn in a large skillet. Heat over medium-high heat for 3 to 5 minutes, or until heated through. 
  4. BUILD: Spread 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture onto to top of each tortilla. Sprinkle with cheese and return to the oven for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted. 
  5. TOPPINGS: Add your favorite toppings and enjoy! 

Leftover chicken mixture actually makes a delicious topping for tortilla chips! Like the ultimate loaded nachos. 

top down image showing a metal baking tray with corn tortillas that have been toasted
top down image showing a metal baking tray with corn tortillas that have been toasted with a spread of shredded chicken corn and beans on top
top down image showing a metal baking tray with corn tortillas that have been toasted with chicken and shredded cheese sitting on top

Helpful Tools

  • Skillet or Frying Pan (affiliate): Ideal for cooking or reheating the chicken to perfection.
  • Mixing Bowls (affiliate): Useful for mixing the salsa and other toppings.
  • Baking Sheet: (affiliate) If you’re toasting your tostadas in the oven, this is a must.
  • Cheese Grater (affiliate): For freshly grated cheese, because let’s face it, it’s always better.
Close up image of a corn tortilla on a metal baking pan topped with shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and melted cheese.

Recipe Notes:

What type of chicken is best for tostadas?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal. They’re easy to cook and shred, making them perfect for tostadas.

How do I prevent my tostada shells from becoming soggy?

To avoid sogginess, don’t assemble the tostadas too far in advance. Keep your toppings and shells separate until you’re ready to eat.

Can I make chicken tostadas ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and toppings ahead of time. Store them in the fridge and assemble the tostadas just before serving.

Can I use leftover chicken for tostadas?

Definitely! Leftover roasted or grilled chicken, shredded or chopped, works great for tostadas.

What are some topping ideas for chicken tostadas?

Popular toppings include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocados, sour cream, cheese, and lime wedges.

close up image showing a corn tortilla laying flat on a white round plate. On top of the tortilla is shredded chicken, melted cheese, sour cream, tomatoes, and cilantro

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5 from 3 votes

Chicken Tostadas

Author Jesseca
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Serves: 4
Let’s whip up some easy, peasy Chicken Tostadas that are not just drool-worthy but also ridiculously simple to make. Imagine crispy tostadas topped with juicy, seasoned chicken, black beans, and a dollop of sour cream or guac. 

Ingredients
  

Chicken

  • 2 large chicken breast (about 1 lb)
  • 1 (1 oz) taco seasoning packet
  • 1 cup salsa

Tostadas

  • 8 corn tortillas
  • 1 tablespoon oil (I like avocado oil)
  • 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (see above)
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
  • 1 cup corn
  • cups shredded cheese
  • your favorite toppings

Instructions
 

Chicken

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Make sure the chicken is sliced in half lengthwise and relatively even in thickness. 
  • Place the chicken down in a 9×13 pan that has been misted with cooking spray. Sprinkle with the taco seasoning and spoon the salsa directly on top of the chicken. 
  • Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F. 
  • Chop or shred the chicken salsa mixture and set aside for later. 

Tostada

  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
  • Place the corn tortillas down on a baking tray in an even layer, making sure they do not overlap. Brush each side with oil just until coated.
  • Bake for 3 minutes, flip and bake 3 minutes more or until the shells are slightly crisp. Set aside for later. 
  • Mix together 1 cup of shredded chicken with 1 cup of salsa, the black beans, and corn in a large skillet. Heat over medium-high heat for 3 to 5 minutes, or until heated through. 
  • Spread 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture onto to top of each tortilla. Sprinkle with cheese and return to the oven for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted. 
  • Add your favorite toppings and enjoy! 

Notes

Can I use leftover chicken for tostadas?
Definitely! Leftover roasted or grilled chicken, shredded or chopped, works great for tostadas.

The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.

Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Close up image of a corn tortilla on a metal baking pan topped with shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and melted cheese. Text overlay reads "easy + delicious chicken tostadas"

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5 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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